Control Assurance Specialist

Overview

A vacancy has arisen for a Control Assurance Specialist within the M&G Control Assurance team. The successful candidate will function autonomously while working alongside a driven, successful and extremely competent team of risk and governance professionals. This position would suit someone with a very good academic record, who is adaptable and who can work to high standards and across multiple disciplines. The successful incumbent will thrive in a challenging, pressured environment with exposure at all levels of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Process and thematic reviews:
  • Engage at various levels of the organisation both internally and externally
  • Complete process and thematic reviews, per the Control Assurance plan
  • To assess control adequacy of controls by reviewing process documentation, risk and control self-assessments, etc.
  • Suggest and agree actions with Management to remediate any weaknesses identified
  • Perform control effectiveness testing to ensure that suggested remedial actions/controls are implemented within processes/business areas
  • Consider the risk management process outcomes (risk and control assessment, key risk indicators, feedback from Management) to assess areas of process and control improvements
• Operational Risk activities and analysis which includes but is not limited to:
  • Review, analysis and reporting of incidents across the organisation
  • Analysis of incidents to determine root causes, trends and repeat incidents
  • Incident reporting to Executive management, Risk and Compliance and Audit Committee
  • Provide input into key risk indicators as required and provide input into risk management processes
  • Support and assist Management to implement risk management requirements across the business
• External assurance providers:
  • Engage with the ISAE 3402 external auditor and Management across the organisation to co-ordinate the delivery of control effectiveness testing across the business
  • Support management with exception remediation, identifying compensating controls, remedial actions to improve and enhance controls
  • Provide challenge and oversight in the ISAE review process specific to processes and controls updates
  • Engage with Management and external auditors to facilitate workshops, walkthroughs, status update meetings, and report sign off.
• Internal Audit Reviews:
  • Facilitate business readiness reviews by reviewing process documentation, approval frameworks, consider regulation applicable to audit scope, and engage with Management to assist in internal audit reviews
  • Assist with the delivery of internal audit reviews including providing input to scope and timelines, facilitate walkthroughs, and provide input into draft report observations
  • Follow up on review findings and engage with the business to ensure that findings are closed out in a timeous manner.

Attributes, Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Commerce/Certified Internal Auditor.
• A minimum of five years working experience in financial services or asset management.
• Asset management experience is preferred.
• Experience in audit or risk management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent numeracy skills.
• Technical understanding of financial products and instruments.
• Key abilities:
  • Take initiative and work independently.
  • Be assertive and self-driven.
  • Build effective relationships externally and internally.
  • High tolerance to stress.
  • Work to process.

Competencies & Personal Attributes

• Good problem solving and analytical skills.
• Well-developed communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure with limited supervision.
• Ability to maintain service standards.
• Ability to work accurately and in detail.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Action orientated.
• Excellent planning and organising.
• Ability to liaise with all levels of management in a professional manner.
• Self-starter.

About us

M&G Investments is a global asset manager with operations in 28 countries, around 5.5 million retail clients and R8.0 trillion in assets under management and administration. We are also one of South Africa’s top 10 asset managers, with approximately R306 billion* in assets under management.

For 30 years we have built up an admirable local track record for delivering consistently strong performance over time. Our aim is to help our clients achieve their financial goals, whether investing towards their first house, their children’s education, or making sure that they have enough funds to retire comfortably.

We work closely with experts across M&G plc’s worldwide operations to bring clients access to the latest technology, investment ideas and research. We incorporate sustainable thinking in everything we do, from the way we run our business to the impact we have on the planet and our communities. To help us achieve our vision, we’re looking for exceptional people who live our values of care and integrity and who can inspire others, embrace change, deliver results and keep it simple. We’re looking for people who will enjoy the challenge of working in an ambitious business that’s set on transforming the industry.

We are building a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. In order to meet the objectives set in our Employment Equity plan, preference may be given to suitably qualified candidates from designated groups.

*As at 30 June 2024